Sustainability
By Kemi Akintokun
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) has called for partnership to ensure sustainability of sickle cell disorder programmes in the country.
This was contained in a communique developed by stakeholders following a symposium and news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Sickle Cell Day is marked globally every June 19 to raise awareness about the disease.
The communique, which was read by Dr Annette Akinsete, National Director/CEO of SCFN, noted that government’s commitment was essential for Sickle Cell control in Nigeria, however, that government alone could not be saddled with the responsibility, but through partnerships.
“Sickle Cell Disorder should be declared as a national emergency to address challenges faced by warriors.
“There are advances in treatment and cure, new drugs; non-pharmacological aids for pain management; and Gene therapy must be made available to SCD patients through partnerships.
“Global partnerships as outlined in SDG No.17, partnership within Nigeria which involves Public-Private partnership, religious communities and others need to come together as one,” it said.
According to the communique, the foundation which was established 30 years ago, is a non-government entity that is involved in all areas of sickle cell programmes; including advocacy; research; prevention; treatment; care; welfare and cure.
It said that the foundation had come up with the ‘Wait-List Initiative of SCFN’, to help solve the out of pocket expenses problem that persons with the disease suffer.
“This initiative will ensure treatment and care of warriors in a sustainable manner, in any part of Nigeria by enrolling in the Wait-List database.
”The treatment will comprise daily routine drugs, wound dressing for leg ulcers; hospital admission expenses; stroke requiring rehabilitation and others,” the communique said.
It called for more advocacy to educate Nigerians on the need to know their genotype and shun discrimination and stigmatisation against persons with SCD. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
KOA/FON/VIV
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Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Vivian Ihechu
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